Jamaica, Community have lost a towering figure – CARICOM SG on Seaga
In a message of condolence on the death of former Jamaica Prime Minister Edward Seaga, CARICOM Secretary-General, Amb. Irwin LaRocque said that Jamaica and the Community had lost a towering figure.
The condolence message was dispatched to Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica who announced the former Prime Minister’s passing on his 89th birthday on Tuesday, 28 May 2019 .
“Edward Seaga has done his part. His nation and the Community have lost a towering figure.
“The Community extends its condolences to the family of Mr Seaga and the Government and People of Jamaica,” Secretary-General LaRocque said.
In his message, the Secretary-General highlighted the role that Mr. Seaga played in reinvigorating the integration process in 1982.
Please see the full text of the message:
“The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) mourns the passing of the former Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Honourable Edward Seaga, ON.
Jamaica’s fifth Prime Minister, Mr. Seaga made an indelible contribution to the development of his country in many spheres. Constitutionally, Politically, Financially, in Education, Sport and Culture, his achievements will always redound in the annals of Jamaican history.
Mr. Seaga was instrumental in reviving the integration movement as host in 1982 to the first Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM after a hiatus of seven years. This Meeting served to reinvigorate the integration process.
Recognised as the longest serving member of the Jamaican Parliament, he was also the youngest ever nominated to the Legislative Council prior to Independence. His record of service in both the Lower and Upper Houses was marked not only by his passionate oratory but also by his initiation of innovative legislative actions which resulted in significant changes in his country.
Mr Seaga lent his considerable experience and expertise to the University of the West Indies (UWI), where, upon his retirement from public life, he was appointed as a Distinguished Fellow at the regional institution’s Mona Campus. The Campus’ Research Institute had earlier been named in his honour.
Edward Seaga has done his part. His nation and the Community have lost a towering figure.
The Community extends its condolences to the family of Mr Seaga and the Government and People of Jamaica.”